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Abstract:

Apparatus for mounting accessories to guns. Some embodiments provide gun
mounts each including a body and a magnet to magnetically couple the
mount to the gun. The bodies are shaped and dimensioned to mechanically
retain the accessories (which can be flash lights). The magnets are
mechanically coupled to the bodies (and can be an integral portion
thereof) and cause magnetic fields. Given the shapes and dimensions of
the bodies, the positions of the magnets relative to the bodies and
relative to the barrels of the guns when the bodies abut the barrels, the
magnetic field strengths are within a range sufficient to releasably and
magnetically couple the magnets and the barrels. In some embodiments the
magnetic field strengths are sufficient to limit the ranges of motion of
the mounts relative to the guns during the shock created by firing the
gun.

Claims:

1. An apparatus for releasably attaching an accessory to a gun which
includes a barrel, the apparatus comprising: a gun assembly further
comprising a first body defining a mechanical attachment point shaped and
dimensioned to mate with the barrel of the gun and a magnet mechanically
coupled to the mechanical attachment point; an accessory assembly further
comprising a second body defining a retention cavity shaped and
dimensioned to receive the accessory and defining a detent being shaped
and dimensioned to retain the accessory in the retention cavity and a
second magnet coupled to the second body, the first and the second
magnets being positioned on respectively the first and second bodies such
that when the first and second bodies abut each other the first and
second magnets magnetically couple with each other with sufficient
strength to withstand a shock associated with the barrel of the gun
during the firing of the gun thereby releasably attaching the accessory
assembly to the gun via the gun assembly; a locking pin of the gun
assembly, the locking pin being shaped and dimensioned to lock the gun
assembly at a user selected position on the gun; and a third magnet of
the gun assembly, the locking pin being made of a ferromagnetic material,
the third magnet and the locking pin being positioned relative to each
and being configured to magnetically couple with each other with
sufficient strength to withstand the shock associated with the barrel of
the gun during the firing of the gun thereby retaining the locking pin in
the gun assembly, wherein the first and second bodies define respectively
first and second generally planar surfaces such that when the first and
second bodies abut each other the first and second magnets couple with
each other across the first and second planar surfaces.

2. An apparatus comprising: a gun assembly further comprising a first
body defining an attachment point adapted to mate with a gun barrel and a
magnet coupled to the attachment point; and an accessory assembly further
comprising a second body defining a cavity adapted to receive the
accessory and a detent adapted to retain the accessory in the cavity and
a second magnet coupled to the second body, the magnets being positioned
on the respective bodies such that when the bodies abut each other the
magnets magnetically couple with each other with sufficient strength to
withstand a firing shock of the gun associated with the barrel to thereby
releasably attach the accessory assembly to the gun via the gun assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the attachment point is further
adapted to mate with a Picattiny rail.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first and second bodies define
first and second longitudinal axes respectively and wherein the first and
second bodies define abutting surfaces that are approximately 1.643
inches in length in a direction parallel to the respective longitudinal
axes.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a positioning pin of the
gun assembly, the positioning pin being adapted to lock the gun assembly
at a user selected position on the Picatinny rail.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a third magnet of the gun
assembly, the positioning pin being made of a ferromagnetic or magnetic
material, the third magnet and the positioning pin being positioned
relative to each and being configured to magnetically couple with each
other with sufficient strength to withstand the firing shock to thereby
retain the positioning pin in the gun assembly.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the positioning pin is a
ferromagnetic component.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first and second bodies
respectively define first and second generally planar surfaces such that
when the first and second bodies abut each other the first and second
magnets couple with each other across the first and second planar
surfaces.

9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the accessory is a light producing
device.

10. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first and second bodies are
adapted to align the accessory with a longitudinal axis of the barrel of
the gun when the accessory is retained by the second body and the first
and second bodies abut each other and when the attachment point is mated
with the barrel of the gun.

11. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the second magnet is one of a
plurality of magnets coupled to the second body.

12. A mount for releasably mounting accessories to guns which include
barrels, the mount comprising: a gun adaptor further comprising a first
body defining a mechanical attachment point shaped and dimensioned to
mate with the barrel of the gun and a magnet mechanically coupled to the
mechanical attachment point; and an accessory adaptor further comprising
a second body defining a retention cavity shaped and dimensioned to
receive the accessory and a detent being shaped and dimensioned to retain
the accessory in the retention cavity and a second magnet coupled to the
second body, the first and the second magnets being positioned on
respectively the first and second bodies such that with the first and
second bodies abutting each other the first and second magnets
magnetically couple with each other with sufficient strength to withstand
a shock associated with the barrel of the gun during the firing of the
gun to thereby releasably attach the accessory adaptor to the gun via the
gun adaptor.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the mechanical attachment point is
further shaped and dimensioned to mate with a Picattiny rail.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first and second bodies define
first and second longitudinal axes respectively and wherein the first and
second bodies define abutting surfaces that are approximately 1.643
inches in length in a direction parallel to the respective longitudinal
axes.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a positioning pin of the
gun adaptor, the positioning pin being shaped and dimensioned to lock the
gun adaptor at a user selected position on the Picatinny rail.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a third magnet of the
gun adaptor, the positioning pin being made of a ferromagnetic or
magnetic material, the third magnet and the positioning pin being
positioned relative to each and being configured to magnetically couple
with each other with sufficient strength to withstand the shock
associated with the barrel of the gun during the firing of the gun to
thereby retain the positioning pin in the gun adaptor.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the positioning pin is a
ferromagnetic component.

18. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first and second bodies
respectively define first and second generally planar surfaces such that
with the first and second bodies abutting each other the first and second
magnets couple with each other across the first and second planar
surfaces.

19. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the accessory is a light producing
device.

20. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first and second bodies are
shaped and dimensioned to align the accessory with a longitudinal axis of
the barrel of the gun when the accessory is retained by the second body
and the first and second bodies abut each other and the mechanical
attachment point is mated with the barrel.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/009,203 filed on Jan. 19, 2011 by Steven Fridley
(now U.S. Pat. No. ______ issued on ______, 2013) the entirety of which
is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full and which is
a Non-Provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/317,197 filed on Mar. 24, 2010 by Steven Fridley the entirety of which
is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Gun users sometimes find it convenient to rapidly mount and remove
accessories from their guns. For instance, at times, it might be useful
to have a light producing device (hereinafter a "light") mounted on the
barrel of the gun and shining in the direction toward which the gun is
aimed. For instance, military personal, security officials, etc. might
find themselves in a darkened environment wherein an armed confrontation
might happen. Since non-combatants, other "friendly forces," etc. might
be caught in that same darkened environment they face a risk of injury or
death should the user of the gun fire it in their direction in the belief
(because of the darkened environment) that the friendly force is a foe.
In contrast, should the user of the gun hesitate in firing the gun (due
to uncertainty as to the identity of the individual), the enemy combatant
and/or other desired targets might escape or turn and attack.

[0003] Some gun users have therefore attempted to mount lights on their
guns with limited success in dealing with such "friendly fire" scenarios.
For instance, if mounting the light on the gun requires too much time,
the delay in mounting the light might totally negate the advantage of
having the light in the first place. In other words, while the gun user
struggles with mounting the light on the gun, the desired target might
flee the scene, turn on the gun user, turn on others, etc. Also, if the
mounting assembly is of insufficient mechanical strength, the shock from
firing the gun might cause the mounting assembly to become loose or to
become separated from the gun.

SUMMARY

[0004] The following section presents a simplified summary in order to
introduce some aspects of the disclosed subject matter. This summary is
not an extensive overview of the disclosed subject matter, and is not
intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope
of such subject matter. A purpose of the summary is to present some
concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed
disclosure that is presented herein.

[0005] Thus, some embodiments disclosed herein provide apparatus for
mounting accessories to weapons (for instance, guns). Such embodiments
provide accessory mounts wherein each includes a body and a magnet to
magnetically couple the mount to the gun. The bodies are shaped and
dimensioned to mechanically retain the accessories (which can be flash
lights) therein. The magnets are mechanically coupled to the bodies, can
be an integral portion thereof, and of course cause magnetic fields. Once
selected various characteristics (for instance, the shapes and dimensions
of the bodies, the positions of the magnets relative to the bodies, and
the positions of the magnets relative to the barrels of the guns when the
bodies abut the barrels, the magnetic field strengths) cause a magnetic
forces within a range sufficient to releasably and magnetically couple
the magnets and the barrels. In some embodiments the magnetic field
strengths are sufficient to limit (during the shock created by firing the
guns) the range of motion of the accessory mounts relative to the guns.

[0006] Some embodiments provide apparatus for mounting accessories to
guns. The bodies of such accessory mounts define mounting cavities to
receive the barrels of the weapons. In addition, or in the alternative,
the apparatus can include a plurality of magnets positioned relative to
the bodies to be adjacent to the barrels of the weapons when the
apparatus are magnetically coupled to the weapons. If desired, the bodies
can be shaped and dimensioned to align the accessories and the barrels of
the weapons. Moreover, the bodies can define detents which can be
integral parts of the bodies and which can be shaped and dimensioned to
release the accessories. In some embodiments, the magnets are on the
surfaces of the bodies whereas in some embodiments the magnets are in the
bodies.

[0007] In the alternative, or in addition, some embodiments provide mounts
to mount accessories to guns. The mounts of these embodiments include
bodies shaped and dimensioned to mechanically receive the accessories and
various components of the guns. The magnets are mechanically coupled to
the bodies and cause magnetic fields sufficiently strong to couple the
accessory mounts to the gun components.

[0008] Various embodiments provide apparatus with magnets mechanically
coupled to bodies of the apparatus and which cause magnetic fields with
strengths sufficient (in conjunction with the shapes and dimensions of
the bodies, the positions of the magnets relative to the bodies and the
positions of the magnets relative to the barrels when the bodies abut the
weapons) to releasably and magnetically couple the magnets and the
barrels of the weapons. The magnetic fields can also be sufficient to (in
light of the geometry of the mounts and/or weapons) limit the ranges of
motion of the mounts relative to the weapons during the firing of the
weapons to about one quarter of an inch.

[0009] In some embodiments, the magnets are integral portions of the
accessory mount bodies. Furthermore, some individual apparatus of
embodiments can include pluralities of magnets. These magnets, for a
given apparatus, can be arranged in one or more rows. Moreover, the rows
of magnets can be positioned relative to the bodies such that one row
abuts the barrel of the weapon and, for instance, another row of magnets
can abut a magazine of the weapon when the body abuts the gun. In the
alternative, or in addition, an air gap (whether empty or partially
filed) can separate the accessory mount from the weapon.

[0010] The body of some apparatus defines accessory and weapon cavities
for receiving respectively the accessories and components of the weapons.
Moreover, the body of some apparatus are shaped and dimensioned to align
the accessory along longitudinal axes of the weapon components. For
instance, the accessory can be a flashlight to be aligned with the barrel
of a gun.

[0011] Various embodiments provide apparatus for releasably attaching
accessories to guns. Apparatus of the current embodiment comprise a gun
assembly and an accessory assembly. The gun assembly further comprises a
first body defining a mechanical attachment point shaped and dimensioned
to mate with the barrel of the gun. Moreover, the gun assembly also
comprises a magnet mechanically coupled to the mechanical attachment
point. As to the accessory assembly, it comprises a second body and a
second magnet. The second body defines a retention cavity shaped and
dimensioned to receive the accessory and a detent being shaped and
dimensioned to retain the accessory in the retention cavity. The second
magnet is coupled to the second body. Furthermore, the first and the
second magnets are positioned on respectively the first and second bodies
such that when the first and second bodies abut each other the first and
second magnets magnetically couple with each other with sufficient
strength to withstand a shock associated with the barrel of the gun
during the firing of the gun. As a result, the apparatus can releasably
attach the accessory to the gun.

[0012] In some embodiments the gun assembly further comprises a third
magnet and the positioning pin is made of a ferromagnetic or magnetic
material. Furthermore, the third magnet and the locking pin can be
positioned relative to each and can be configured to magnetically couple
with each other with sufficient strength to withstand the shock
associated with the barrel of the gun during the firing of the gun and
can therefore retain the locking pin in the gun assembly despite that
shock. In addition, or in the alternative, the first and second magnets
can define, respectively, first and second generally planar surfaces such
that when the first and second bodies abut each other, the first and
second magnets contact each other across the first and second planar
surfaces.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mechanical attachment point is shaped and
dimensioned to mate with a Picattiny rail. Moreover, the first and second
bodies define abutting surfaces that are approximately 1.643 inches in
length. The apparatus can further comprise a positioning pin of the gun
assembly which is shaped and dimensioned to lock the gun assembly at a
user-selected position on the Picatinny rail. If desired, the accessory
can be a light producing device. Moreover, the first and second bodies
can be shaped and dimensioned to align the light with a longitudinal axis
of the barrel of the gun when the second body retains the light and the
apparatus is coupled to the gun. Of course, the second magnet can be one
of a plurality of magnets coupled to the second body. In some
embodiments, the apparatus comprise gun adaptors and accessory retainers
magnetically coupled to one and other.

[0014] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain
illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the figures.
These aspects are indicative of various ways in which the disclosed
subject matter may be practiced, all of which are intended to be within
the scope of the disclosed subject matter without limiting the same.
Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the
following detailed disclosure when considered in conjunction with the
figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying figures. In these figures, the same left-most digit(s) of
reference numbers usually indicates that these reference numbers appear
for the first time in this document on the same figure. The use of
similar reference numbers in different figures usually indicates similar
or identical items.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a gun, an accessory mount, and a gun accessory.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an accessory mount and an accessory magnetically
coupled to a gun.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an accessory mount.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an accessory mount with an
accessory retained therein.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an accessory mount magnetically
coupled to a gun with an accessory retained in the accessory mount.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an accessory mount.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an accessory mount.

[0023] FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of an accessory mount.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an accessory mount.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another accessory mount.

[0026]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an accessory mount and a weapon.

[0033]FIG. 18 illustrates a side elevation view of a weapon and an
accessory mount.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] This document discloses mounts for mounting accessories to weapons
and more particularly this document discloses mounts for magnetically
coupling flashlights to barrels of guns.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a gun, an accessory mount, and a gun accessory.
More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates the gun 10, a gun accessory 12 such
as a light producing device, and an accessory mount 14. The gun 10
illustrated in FIG. 1 happens to be a shot gun although many other types
of guns, weapons, etc, are included within the scope of the disclosure.
For instance, the gun 10 could be a rifle, a semi-automatic weapon (for
instance an AR-15, AK-47, an M-16, etc.), an automatic weapon, etc. With
regard to the accessory 12, it can be any of a number of different
accessories 12. For instance, the accessory 12 could be a light producing
device (hereinafter a "light"), a gun-sight, an infrared scope, a laser
sight, etc. FIG. 1 also shows the accessory mount 14 prior to it being
mounted to the gun 10 and prior to receiving the accessory 12. As is
discussed herein further, FIG. 2 illustrates the accessory mount 14
retaining an accessory 12 and being mounted to the gun 10. With reference
again to FIG. 1, the gun 10 includes a variety of sub-assemblies and/or
components such as a stock 16, a barrel 18, a magazine 20, trigger 22,
and a chamber 24. Of course, other (or fewer) components could be
included in the gun 10 such as for instance a second barrel (if the gun
were a double-barreled shotgun).

[0036] In operation, a user might desire to shoot a target (not shown). To
shoot at the target the user can brace the stock 16 against his or her
shoulder, aim the barrel 18 at the target and (assuming that the gun 10
was loaded with a shell in the chamber 24) pull the trigger 22 to fire
the gun 10. As the gun 10 fires, the projectile(s) accelerates through
the barrel 18 and travels at a relatively high speed in the direction
determined by the guidance provided to the projectile by the barrel 18.
Accordingly, objects in the direction in which the barrel 18 points might
be hit by the projectile.

[0037] Thus, if the area of the encounter is relatively dark, it might be
desirable to attach a light to the barrel 18 to aid the user in seeing
the target prior to deciding to fire the gun 10. It might, however, also
be the case that the user has little time to mount the light on the
barrel 18. Or it could be the case that it would be otherwise desirable
to rapidly mount the light or other accessory 12 to the gun 10. More
particularly, the user could use the accessory mount 14 of various
embodiments to mount a light to the gun 10 by the barrel 18 (or some
other component of the gun 10). To do so, the user could mount the
accessory mount 14 to the barrel 18 and then couple the light to the
accessory mount 14. In the alternative, or in addition, the user could
couple the light and the accessory mount 14 first and then mount the
accessory mount 100 to the barrel 18. Of course the user could take some
other or additional course(s) of action.

[0038] Likewise, it might be the case that the user wishes to rapidly and
conveniently detach the light (and/or the accessory mount 14) from the
gun 10. Heretofore, mechanical assembly/disassembly of the gun 10 and the
accessory mount 14 (and/or the accessory 12) was often too time consuming
or inconvenient for some users. Various embodiments provide accessory
mounts 14 (for accessories 12) which magnetically couple to ferromagnetic
and/or ferrimagnetic components of various guns 10 and which allow for
rapid (dis)assembly of the gun 10 from the accessory mount 14.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an accessory mount and an accessory magnetically
coupled to a gun. More particularly, FIG. 2 illustrates the accessory
mount 100 with an accessory 12 retained therein and being magnetically
coupled to the barrel 18 and/or magazine 20 of the gun 10. Here, it
happens that both the barrel 18 and the magazine 20 are made of a
ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic material and that the accessory mount 100
magnetically couples to the barrel 18 and the magazine 20 of the gun 10.

[0040] Moreover, the accessory mount 100 of the current embodiment
protrudes partially into a crevice 23 defined by the barrel 18 and the
magazine 20 and abuts the barrel 18 and the magazine 20. It might be
worth noting that the barrel 18, the magazine 20, and the accessory mount
100 each define respective longitudinal axes 25, 26, and 28 which are
generally parallel to each other in the current embodiment. Because of
the parallel orientations of the barrel 18, the magazine 20, and the
accessory mount 100 and the positioning of the accessory mount 100 in the
crevices 23 (and its abutment to the barrel 18 and magazine 20), the
accessory mount 100 tends to align itself with the direction in which the
gun 10 might be aimed with little or no effort being employed by the
user. Indeed, even if the accessory mount 100 becomes somewhat
misaligned, the attractive magnetic force between the gun 10 and the
accessory mount 100 will pull the accessory mount 100 back toward the
crevices 23 thereby re-aligning the accessory mount 100 with the barrel
18 via guidance provided by the surfaces which define the crevice 23.

[0041] It might also be worth noting that since the accessory mount 100,
of the current embodiment, magnetically couples to the gun 10, the
accessory mount 100 generally remains coupled to the gun 10 at the
position illustrated in FIG. 2 until pulled off by the user. Furthermore,
if the magnet (or magnets) included in the accessory mount 100 are
sufficiently strong, the magnetic coupling between the gun 10 and the
accessory mount 100 can be sufficient to retain the accessory mount 100
adjacent to the gun 10 even when the accessory mount 100 happens to be
mounted to the side of the barrel 18 and/or magazine 20 (which in the
current embodiment are positioned one above the other). Thus, the
magnetic coupling can be sufficient to prevent the weight of the
accessory mount 100 (with or without the accessory 12) from pulling the
accessory mount 100 away from the gun 10. In some embodiments, as is
discussed further herein, the shapes and dimensions of the various
portions of the accessory mount 100 can be selected to, in conjunction
with the characteristics of the magnet(s), cause the foregoing and other
effects.

[0042] With continuing reference to FIG. 2, it is likely that the gun 10
will generate a mechanical shock when it is fired. Heretofore, the gun 10
transmitted its firing shock to accessory mounts which had been
mechanically coupled to guns 10. As a result, the mechanical attachment
means of such accessory mounts tend to loosen and separate from the gun
10 after a few shots or even a single shot. Moreover, the mechanical
shock transmitted to the accessory 12 also tends to break, damage, and/or
degrade the accessory 12 with each firing of the gun 10.

[0043] In contrast, the magnetic coupling of the accessory mount 100
illustrated in FIG. 2 mitigates these results to a large degree if not
eliminating them in their entirety. More particularly, because a magnetic
field provides the coupling between the accessory mount 100 and the gun
10, mechanical shocks occurring in one will affect the other to a much
less extent than as with mechanical couplings there between. Indeed, by
its nature, the magnetic field will allow the accessory mount 100 to move
relative to the gun 10 by an amount determined by those factors affecting
the magnetic coupling between the accessory mount 100 and the gun 10.
Thus, when the gun 10 fires, the mechanical firing shock will travel from
the vicinity of the chamber 24 toward the location on the barrel 18 at
which the accessory mount 100 is positioned. Whereupon the portion of the
barrel 18 in that vicinity will accelerate and/or jerk either compressing
or stretching the magnetic field in the volume between the accessory
mount 100 and the barrel 18 and there about.

[0044] The distortion of the magnetic field will in turn cause the magnet
of the accessory mount 100 to tend to move under the influence of the
changing magnetic field. But, that movement (acceleration, jerk, etc.
will be lessened by the storage of energy in the magnetic field.
Therefore, since distorting a magnetic field stores energy in the
magnetic field, the magnetic field decreases the shock transmitted to the
accessory mount 100 while allowing a selected amount of relative movement
between the accessory mount 100 and the gun 10. Again, the
characteristics of the magnet(s) and the characteristics of the gun 10
and the accessory mount 100 can be selected to cause desired amounts of
shock suppression, shock transmission and/or relative motion between the
accessory mount 100 and the gun 10.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an accessory mount. The accessory
mount 100 of the current embodiment can be mounted to a gun 10 and used
to retain an accessory 12 as discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2
and elsewhere herein. In FIG. 3 the accessory mount 100 includes a body
102 which defines an accessory cavity 104 and includes one or more
magnets 106. Furthermore, the body 102 defines an aperture 108 and
includes a pair of distal ends which can serve as detents 110. The
accessory cavity 104 is shaped and dimensioned to receive and retain an
accessory 12 such as a light (not shown). Thus, the shape and dimensions
of a particular accessory cavity 104 can correspond to a particular
accessory 12 or type or model thereof.

[0046] Moreover, the body 102 could define the accessory cavity 104 so
that the aperture 108 opens in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 28. In some embodiments, the material of the body 102
could be resilient enough that the distal ends of the body 102 flex
enough to allow the accessory 12 entry into the accessory cavity 104
while closing behind it. Thus, the accessory 12 could be pushed through
the aperture 108 with the detents 110 closing behind it thereby
mechanically retaining the accessory 12 in the accessory mount 100. In
the alternative, or in addition, the body 102 might be shaped to receive
the accessory 12 in the accessory cavity 104 from a longitudinal
direction whereby the distal ends of the body 102 (that is, in the
current embodiment, the detents 110) need not flex and can retain the
accessory 12 in the accessory cavity 104.

[0047] FIG. 3 also illustrates that the body 102 of the accessory mount
100 can mechanically couple with the one or more magnets 106. In the
embodiment illustrated by FIG. 3 the body 102 defines holes into which
the magnets 106 can be placed and secured therein with an adhesive or by
other means. In some embodiments though the body 102 is formed around the
magnets 106 by, for instance, injection molding. However, in various
embodiments, the entire body 102 could be a magnet 106 thereby
simplifying some aspects of the manufacture of the accessory mount 100.

[0048] FIG. 3 also illustrates that for embodiments with more than one
magnet 106 the magnets 106 can be arranged relative to one and other, and
relative to the body 102, in a variety of ways. For instance, FIG. 3
illustrates that the magnets 106 can be arranged in parallel rows. As is
discussed further herein with reference to FIG. 5, these rows of magnets
106 can correspond to the location of the barrel 18 and/or magazine 20 of
a gun 10 (See FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0049] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an accessory mount with an
accessory retained therein. Again, the accessory 12 is retained in the
accessory cavity 104 (not shown) by the detents 110 of the body 102. And,
being retained in the accessory cavity 104 (which is on the side of the
accessory mount 100 opposite the side which will sometimes abut the gun
10), the accessory 12 does not interfere with the mounting of the
accessory mount 100 to the gun 10. Furthermore, if the accessory 12
happens to be made of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material (or might
otherwise influence the magnetic fields generated by the magnets 106) the
magnets 106 can be chosen to account for this factor while providing the
magnetic (de)coupling capabilities (and/or the shock absorption
capabilities) discussed further elsewhere herein.

[0050]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an accessory mount magnetically
coupled to a gun with an accessory retained in the accessory mount. More
particularly, FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the gun 10 and
an accessory mount 100 as viewed along the line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 5
therefore illustrates the barrel 18, the magazine 20, the crevices 23,
the accessory mount 100, and the accessory 12. FIG. 5 also illustrates
that the accessory 12 can be a battery powered flashlight which contains
one or more batteries 112 therein. While the bodies 102 of accessory
mounts 100 of some embodiments can be shaped and dimensioned to hold a
particular model of accessory 12 (or particular models of accessories 12)
which use one of a particular battery 112 size, the bodies 102 of various
other accessory mounts 100 can possess sufficient resilience (other
characteristics and/or other features) to retain a variety of accessories
12 with differing dimensions, shapes, etc. Indeed, while some embodiments
allow for accessories 12 powered by AA, AAA, C, D batteries 112 and/or
batteries 112 of other sizes, still other embodiments allow for
accessories 12 powered by other means (for instance, solar cells).
Various embodiments also allow for even unpowered accessories 12.

[0051] With regard to some illustrative shapes and dimensions of the
accessory mount 100 and the gun 10, it will again be noted that the
accessory mount 100 of the current embodiment abuts the barrel 18 and
magazine 20 of the gun 10 and is aligned in the crevices 23 there
between. Moreover, the barrel 18 defines an outer diameter d1 while the
magazine 20 and the accessory mount 100 define respectively, outer
diameters d2 and d3. Of course, the accessory 12 can define an inner
diameter d4 allowing, if desired, internal storage of one or more
batteries 112. Moreover, the cross-sectional shapes (here circular) of
the barrel 18, the magazine 20, and the accessory mount 100 cause the
foregoing components to come into contact points 114 and 116. Since these
contact points 114 and 116 define the positions on the body 102 of the
accessory mount 100 which come closest to the barrel 18 and/or the
magazine 20, in some embodiments, the magnets 106 are positioned in or
near corresponding locations on the body 102 of the accessory mount 100.
Thus, for a given combination of a particular type of gun 10 and a
particular accessory mount 100 the geometry of the combination defines an
angle al between the contact points 114 and 116 (and hence magnets 106)
relative to the center (or other reference point) of the accessory mount
100.

[0052] In various combinations the diameters d1, d2, d3, the angle a1
(between the magnets 106), and the characteristics of the magnets 106
(such as their magnetic field strengths) can be selected to yield
characteristics of the magnetic coupling between the accessory mount 100
and the gun 10. Indeed, the diameters d1, d2, and d3, the angle a1, and
the magnets 106 can be selected so that the magnetic fields produce a
selected static force within a desired range and shock damping within
another selected range while also allowing a selected range of relative
motion between the gun 10 and the accessory mount 100. Indeed, such
selections can be made on a case-by-case basis, on a gun type-by-gun type
basis, and/or an ammunition type-by-ammunition type basis. Note that
since the ammunition type can correlate to the expected mechanical shock
generated when the gun 10 fires the ammunition type can therefore have a
bearing on the desired magnetic field of the magnet(s) 106.

[0053] The characteristics of the gun 10 and characteristics of the
accessory mount 100 can be selected so that in some embodiments the
accessory mount 100 attaches to the gun 10 by simply placing it adjacent
to the barrel 18 and/or the magazine 20 while allowing the user to detach
the accessory mount 100 there from by applying a selected force to
separate the accessory mount 100 from the gun 10. In such embodiments the
user can "slap" the accessory mount 100 to the gun 10 to attach (and
align) the two objects to each other and can "rip" the accessory mount
100 off the gun 10 with quick hand movements.

[0054] Also, FIG. 5 illustrates other aspects of the appliance retention
cavity 104 of the accessory mount 100. For instance, the distal ends of
the body 102 (or the detents 110 as might be the case) can define an
angle a2 between themselves relative to the center (or other reference
point) associated with the body 102. The angle a2 could be in a range
between about 90 degrees and 180 degrees although other angles a2 are
within the scope of the disclosure. By selecting the angle a2 and other
aspects of the body 102 (such as its material) a user can determine the
retention/release capabilities of the detents 110. In some embodiments,
therefore, the body 102 is made of ABS polycarbonate plastic while the
angle a2 is about 130 degrees. Moreover, the magnets 206 can be selected
from any type of magnets such as ceramic magnets, ferrite magnets, alnico
magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, neodymium iron boron magnets, neodymium
magnets, etc. In some embodiments, the magnets 106 are model number
N38EH, 3/8''×1/8'' NdFeB Disc Magnets available from China Rare
Earth Magnets (CREM) Ltd. of ShenZhen, China.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an accessory mount. The accessory
mount 200 of the current embodiment can hang from underneath the barrel
18 or magazine 20 of a gun 10. Indeed, FIG. 6 illustrates the accessory
mount 200 with the accessory 12 hanging from the accessory mount 200
(with the gun 10 not being present). If the gun 10 includes an extended
magazine 20, the accessory mount 200 can hang from that magazine. In the
alternative, or in addition, the accessory mount 200 can hang from the
barrel 18 of a gun 10 without an extended magazine 20. Indeed, because of
the magnetic coupling between the accessory mount 200 and the
ferromagnetic and/or ferrimagnetic objects to which it can couple, the
accessory mount 200 can mount to any generally cylindrical object of
suitable material. Of course, the accessory mount 200 could be shaped and
dimensioned to mount to objects of other shapes without departing from
the scope of the disclosure.

[0056] In the current embodiment the accessory mount 200 includes a body
202, defines a weapon cavity 205, and a magnet or magnets 206.
Furthermore, the body 202 of the accessory mount 200 defines a weapon
portion 208 and an accessory portion 210. Various other features 212 can
be included in/on the accessory mount 200 as desired. However, the
accessory portion 210 can define a longitudinal axis 228 which parallels
the longitudinal axis of the barrel 18 when the accessory mount 200 is
mounted to the barrel 18. Therefore, provided that the weapon portion 208
and the accessory portion 210 fix the relative orientation between the
barrel 18 and the accessory 12, the accessory 12 can point in the
direction in which the gun 10 is aimed. The shapes and dimensions of the
weapon portion 208 can be selected with regard to a type or model of gun
10 to yield desired mounting capabilities. Indeed, in some embodiments,
the accessory mount 200 can rest atop the barrel 18 of the gun 10 thereby
allowing the weight of the accessory mount 200 (and accessory 12 if
present) to aid in pressing the accessory mount 200 and gun 10 together
in lieu of or in addition to magnets 206.

[0057] Note also that the weapon portion 208 of the current embodiment
defines a weapon cavity 205 with an opening 216 to allow the gun 10 (or
barrel 18 thereof) to be moved into the weapon cavity 205 in a direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 228. However, other configurations
are within the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the weapon cavity
205 could be shaped and dimensioned to allow the weapon cavity 205 to
receive the barrel 18 of the gun 10 in a longitudinal direction.

[0058] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the drawing also illustrates
the accessory portion 210. As is illustrated, the accessory portion 210
defines an accessory cavity (not shown due to the presence of the
accessory 12). In addition, or in the alternative, in some embodiments
the accessory portion 210 also includes magnets 206.

[0059] Furthermore, FIG. 6 (along with FIG. 9) illustrates that the weapon
portion 208 can include two rows of four magnets 206 on its respective
sides. The characteristics of the magnets 206 and the shapes and
dimensions of the overall accessory mount 200 can be selected so that the
magnetic coupling between the magnets 206 and the gun 10 is sufficient to
retain the accessory mount 200 in abutting relationship with the gun 10
even if the accessory mount 200 were hanging from the gun 10 or otherwise
oriented relative thereto.

[0060] Moreover, in the current embodiment, the shapes and dimensions of
the various portions of the accessory mount 200 can be selected so as to
align the accessory mount 200 (and therefore the accessory 12) with the
aim of the gun 10. For instance, in embodiments wherein the gun 10 has a
single barrel 18 (and no magazine 20 or other component to give rise to a
crevice 23 as illustrated in FIG. 1), a length l1 of the weapon portion
208 can be selected to yield a stable mounting of the accessory mount 200
to the gun 10. In addition, or in the alternative, a length l2 of the
accessory portion 210 can be selected to balance the accessory 12 in the
accessory mount 200 and/or to otherwise yield a stable retention of the
accessory 12 in the accessory mount 200

[0061] FIG. 6 also illustrates other features of the accessory mount 200.
For instance, various features 212 could be incorporate onto accessory
mounts 200 (on either the weapon portion 208 or the accessory portion
210) to aid the user in gripping the accessory mount 200 during its
mounting to, or dismounting from, the gun 10. In addition, or in the
alternative, such features 212 such as slits can aid in allowing the gun
10 (or perhaps the barrel 18 of the gun 10) to cool between firings. Yet
other features 212 of the accessory mount 200 can provide a rugged,
tough, etc. appearance. For instance, the gun mount 200 can define a slot
220 (see FIG. 9) which allows the weapon portion 208 to fit around a
bayonet lug or other protrusion present on some guns 10.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an accessory mount. In FIG. 7,
a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 6 and between the
magnets 206 is illustrated. FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of an
accessory mount 200. In FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view taken along line
CC of FIG. 6 (at which a pair of the magnets 206 are located) is
illustrated. In some embodiments, though, the magnets 206 are spaced
apart from the barrel 18 of the gun 10 by some distance. Thus, the shapes
and dimensions of the body 202 can be chosen to provide an air gap
between the magnets 206 and the gun 10. That air gap can be filled
partially or totally by the body 202 which can be made of a material
chosen to increase/decrease the strength of the magnetic field of the
magnets 206 therein.

[0063] In some embodiments the weapon portion 208 can define an opening
through which the weapon or a portion thereof (for instance the barrel 18
of the gun 10) can be moved into the weapon cavity 205 to magnetically
couple with the magnets 206. Thus, the weapon portion 208 can have a
semicircular cross-section with an arc of about 180 degrees (so that the
opening spans the other 180 degrees). Of course, since the magnets 206
magnetically couple with the weapon and therefore hold the weapon and the
accessory mount 200 together no mechanical retention device is necessary
in the current embodiment. Rather, the accessory mount 200 (and the
accessory 12) hangs from the weapon and are suspended there from due to
the magnetic coupling. Indeed, in some embodiments, the arc of the weapon
portion 208 spans less than 180 degrees. However, if desired, the arc of
the weapon portion 208 could span more than 180 degrees so that the ends
thereof define detents (or other structures) to provide some mechanical
capability to retain the weapon in the weapon portion 208.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an accessory mount. In FIG. 9, two
rows of magnets 206 of the accessory portion 210 are illustrated. These
magnets 206 (being in relatively close proximity to the accessory cavity)
can aid in retaining ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic accessories 12 in the
accessory cavity. The magnets 206 can also, via the reach of their
magnetic fields, magnetically couple with the gun 10 or portions thereof
to couple the accessory mount 200 and the gun 10. To that end and/or
others, the weapon portion 208 can include features such as cross bars
218 to mechanically couple the magnets 206 and the accessory mount 200.
The cross bars 218 can fill (either partially or completely) an air gap
between the magnets 206 and the gun 10. Thus the material from which they
can be fabricated can be selected so as to alter the magnetic field (and
coupling) between the magnets 206 and the gun 10 as might be desired.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another accessory mount. The
accessory mount 300 of the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 10 happens to
be shaped and dimensioned to be coupled to a shotgun barrel 18. Thus, in
comparison to the accessory mount 200 of FIG. 6 (which happens to be
shaped and dimensioned to couple to an AR-15), the accessory mount 300
can have a weapon portion 308 with a larger interior diameter. Moreover,
the lengths l1 (see FIG. 6), l2, l3, and l4 of various gun mounts 200 and
300 can be different to accommodate conditions which might affect their
mounting to various weapons. Thus, FIGS. 6 and 10 illustrate that various
weapon mounts 200 and 300 can accommodate different weapon types and
different accessories 12.

[0066] With reference again to FIG. 6, in some embodiments the body 202 of
the accessory mount 200 is injection molded. Thus, the die in which the
accessory mount 200 can be manufactured can include pins, posts, or other
features to pre-position the magnets 206 in the mold. More particularly,
these pins can pre-position the magnets 206 to be quite close to the
weapon cavity 216 and therefore the gun 10 (when present). These pins can
leave holes 222 in the body 202 at appropriate locations without
departing from the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, various gate
locations can be selected to facilitate the injection of a polymer, its
precursor(s), or some other suitable material for such embodiments. For
instance, a gate location at either the proximal or distal end of the
accessory mount 202 and between the weapon portion 208 and the accessory
portion 210 could be selected.

[0067] Furthermore, even though the weapon portion 208 or 308 can
accommodate weapons of differing configurations, the accessory portion
210 or 310 can accommodate the same type of accessory 12. Thus, the
accessory portions 210 and 310 could have the same lengths l2 (see FIG.
6) and l4 and inner diameters. However, this situation need not be the
case. In some embodiments, various accessory portions 210 and 310 have
different lengths l2 and l4 and inner diameters.

[0068] Moreover, other embodiments vary from one and other in other ways.
For instance, the magnets 206 or 306 could be located on or in the
accessory portions 210 or 310. In the alternative, or in addition, the
magnets 206 and 306 could be located in or on the region of the body 202
between the weapon portions 208 and 308 and the accessory portions 210
and 310 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Such
embodiments could therefore be shaped and dimensioned in such a way as to
allow the magnets 206 and 306 to magnetically couple with the accessory
12 as well as the gun 10 therefore securing both in the accessory mounts
200 and 300. It might now be helpful to consider embodiments illustrated
by FIGS. 11-18.

[0070] As FIG. 11 illustrates, the accessory adaptor 416 (of the accessory
mount 400) retains the accessory 414 and couples magnetically with the
weapon adaptor 418 (of the accessory mount). The weapon adaptor, of
course, therefore couples magnetically with the accessory adaptor 416 and
couples mechanically with the weapon 410. Although, if desired, the
weapon adaptor 418 could couple magnetically with the weapon 410 or a
portion thereof such as the barrel 412, the Picatinny rail 444, and/or
portions thereof. The positioning pin 420 engages both the weapon adaptor
418 and the weapon 410 to hold the weapon 410 and the accessory mount 400
in fixed positions relative to one another along a longitudinal direction
(with respect to the barrel 412 of the weapon 410).

[0071] In the current embodiment, the weapon 410 happens to be a gun and,
more specifically, a short-barreled gun such as a pistol. Furthermore,
the weapon illustrated by FIG. 11 is an M1911 single-action, recoil
operated handgun although the weapon of the current embodiment could be
any type of weapon with a Picatinny rail 444. As those skilled in the art
will appreciate, the weapon 410 operates by detonating a charge of powder
in a cartridge of the same (or nearly the same) caliber of the barrel
412. The detonation of the charge converts the gunpowder into a mass of
hot, high pressure gas which accelerates the bullet (or pellet or
pellets) of the cartridge (or shell) along and out of the barrel 412.
These actions along with certain others (for instance, pulling the
trigger to detonate the charge) can be referred to as "firing" the
weapon. Moreover, as those skilled in the art will also appreciate,
firing the weapon 410 causes a shock to be imparted to the weapon 410
and/or anything that might be in mechanical communication therewith.
Depending on the weapon fired, the "recoil force" (or firing shock) can
be up to the order of 62.3 ft-lbs. Roughly, the recoil force varies
proportionally with the caliber of the weapon although a number of
factors can impact the recoil force associated with a given weapon 410.
Note, though, that the accessory mount of embodiments couples directly to
the barrel 412 where the recoil force can be relatively unattentuated by
other components of the weapon 410.

[0072] FIG. 12 illustrates a weapon. More specifically, FIG. 12
illustrates a front elevation view of the barrel 412 (and certain other
portions) of the weapon 410 and a bottom plan view of the same. Both
views show the Picatinny rail 444 which some users utilize to attach
various accessories to various weapons 410. To that end, the Picatinny
rail 444 defines a series of rail slots 446 spaced apart from one another
along some or all of the length of the barrel 412. These rail slots 446
can span the width of the barrel 412 in a direction transverse to the
longitudinal axis 402 of the barrel 412. In the current embodiment, the
Picattiny rail 444 also defines the longitudinal groove 448 (viewed from
its end in the front elevation view of FIG. 12). Furthermore, the
longitudinal groove 448 runs along at least a portion of the Picatinny
rail 444. While non-limiting, some Picatinny rails 444 define rail slots
446 which are about 0.15 inches across and are separated by raised areas
of the Picatinny rail 444 which are about the same distance across. For
the weapon 410 illustrated by FIG. 12, moreover, the Picattiny rail 444
extends for a length of about 0.891 inches along the barrel 412 and spans
its 0.815 inch width. It might now be helpful to further consider the
accessory adaptor 416 of the current embodiment. It might also be worth
noting that because the Picattiny rail can be formed integrally with the
barrel 412 of the weapon 410, it can be considered to be a potion of the
barrel 412. In addition, or in the alternative, even if the Picatinny
rail 444 is an add-on or "after-market" item, it is usually firmly
mechanically coupled to the barrel 412. As such, it is likely to
experience and transmit much the same firing shock as does the barrel 412
itself.

[0073]FIG. 13 illustrates an accessory adaptor. The accessory adaptor 416
of the current embodiment further comprises the accessory retainer 422
and the magnet assembly 426. With regard to the accessory retainer 422,
in cross-section, it can be an arcuate shape and more specifically, it
can define a semicircle or other portion of a circle. The accessory
retainer 422 therefore defines the accessory cavity 424 in its interior
into which the accessory 414 can be placed for retention by the accessory
retainer 422. In some embodiments, the accessory retainer 422 spans an
angle a of slightly more than 180 degrees so that as an accessory 414
defining a circular cross-section is pressed into the accessory cavity
424 the opposing arms of the accessory retainer 422 spread to accept the
accessory 414. Because the accessory retainer 422 can be made of a
resilient material, the opposing arms thereof can close behind and retain
the accessory 414 therein. In addition, or in the alternative, the
accessory retainer 422 is mechanically coupled to or integrally formed
with the magnet assembly 426.

[0074] The magnet assembly 426 includes one or more magnets 428 and, in
some embodiments, holds the magnets 428 in an array or other pattern. For
instance, FIG. 13 illustrates the magnet assembly 426 holding six (6) N52
neodymium magnets 428 in a 3×2 array arranged so that the longer
side thereof will parallel with the longitudinal axis 402 of the barrel
412 when the accessory mount is coupled to the weapon 410 as shown in
FIG. 11. Moreover, the magnet assembly 426 (as will be disclosed further
herein) can have a length l1 (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal
axis 402 of the barrel 412) about equal to that of the Picattiny rail
although it need not. It might now be helpful to further consider the
weapon adaptor 418 of the current embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 14. Illustrates a weapon adaptor. More specifically, FIG. 14
illustrates a pair of cross sectional views (one lengthwise and one
widthwise) and a bottom plan view of the weapon adaptor 418 of the
current embodiment. It comprises the detent 430, the adaptor body 432,
the magnet plate 436, the magnet 438, and the rail detents 442. Moreover,
the weapon adaptor 418 (and/or its component parts) defines attachment
cavity 433, the rail cavity 434 and the pin apertures 440 (for the
positioning pin 420). Furthermore, the weapon adaptor 418 couples with
the weapon 410 and, in some embodiments, the Picatinny rail 444 thereof.
It also couples magnetically with the accessory adaptor 416 to releasably
attach the accessory 414 to the weapon 410.

[0076] With continuing reference to FIG. 14, the weapon adaptor 418
comprises the generally "H" shaped adaptor body 432 (as seen in cross
section looking in a longitudinal direction). Viewed from below, the
weapon adaptor 418 defines the attachment cavity 433 for receiving and/or
releasing and magnetically coupling with the accessory retainer 416.
Thus, the attachment cavity can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner
corresponding to the magnet assembly 426 of the accessory adaptor 416 of
embodiments. Note that while FIG. 14 does not show any means of
mechanically attaching the weapon adaptor 418 to the accessory adaptor
416 such mechanical aids could be included if desired. In addition, or in
the alternative, the weapon adaptor 418 can include the detent 430 that
serves to stop the accessory adaptor 416 from moving in a longitudinal
direction relative to the weapon adaptor 418 while the accessory adaptor
416 is in the attachment cavity 433. Note that while FIG. 14 only shows
the one detent 430, another detent 430 could be provided opposite the
first one to further restrict the relative movement of these components.
Additionally, FIG. 14 illustrates that the two lower "legs" 435 of the
"H" shaped adaptor body 432 can also serve as weapon detents to prevent
relative motion transverse to the longitudinal direction between these
components.

[0077] In the upper half of the "H" shaped weapon adaptor 418, FIG. 14
illustrates the pair of opposing rail detents 442 pointed in toward the
middle of the weapon adaptor 418 from the upper "arms" 437 of the adaptor
body 432. In some embodiments, these rail detents are shaped,
dimensioned, positioned, and/or are otherwise configured to engage the
longitudinal grooves 448 on either side of common Picatinny rail 444.
Thus, the weapon adaptor 418 can be positioned in front of the barrel 412
of the weapon 410 and slid onto the Picatinny rail 444 thereof with (the
sides of) the rail cavity 434 and the rail detents 442 slidably engaging
the Picatinny rail 444 until the weapon adaptor 418 is at some desired
position thereon. By engaging the longitudinal grooves 448 of the
Picattiny rail 444, the rail detents 442 (along with the positioning pin
420) serve to mechanically attach the weapon adaptor 418 to the weapon
410. As such, the rail detents 442 can be deemed a "mechanical attachment
point". Although, the practice of the current disclosure can be
accomplished with other types of attachment points.

[0078] It can be noted that the weapon adaptor 418 also defines one or
more (in the current embodiment three) of the pin apertures 440. These
pin apertures can be located on the upper arms 437 of the adaptor body
432 and can be spaced apart by the center-to-center pitch of the
Picatinny rail slots 446 on the weapon 410. Moreover, the pin apertures
440 can be positioned on the upper arms 437 of the gun adaptor 418 at
positions corresponding to the rail slots 446 of the Picatinny rail 444
when the gun adaptor is positioned thereon). Thus, with the weapon
adaptor 418 slidably engaging the Picatinny rail 444 of the weapon 410, a
user can adjust the relative positions of the weapon 410 and the weapon
adaptor 418 until one of the pin apertures 440 aligns with a selected
rail slot 446. The user can then place the positioning pin 420 in that
pin aperture 440 such that the positioning pin 420 extends across the
width of the weapon adaptor 418 (and such that it engages the walls of
that rail slot 446). In some embodiments, a screw or other fastener is
used in lieu of the positioning pin.

[0079] Accordingly, with the positioning pin 420 in the pin aperture(s),
the weapon 410 and the weapon adaptor 418 cannot move relative to one
another in a longitudinal direction. Moreover, if the positioning pin 420
is made from a magnetic (or even ferromagnetic) material, the adaptor
magnet 438 can magnetically couple therewith. Note that the magnet 438
could be positioned relative to one or more pairs of the pin apertures
440 to facilitate this magnetic engagement, thereby helping to retain the
positioning pin 420 in the weapon adaptor 418. Also, if desired, the
adaptor magnet 438 could be one magnet shaped and dimensioned to span the
distance between the most distant pairs of pin apertures 440 or it can be
one of several magnets each potentially corresponding in location with a
pair of pin apertures 440. Furthermore, by guiding the magnetic flux
emanating from the adaptor magnet 438, the magnet plate 436 (if made from
a conductive material) can also facilitate the magnetic coupling of the
magnet 438 and the positioning pin 420. To this end, and perhaps others,
the magnet 438 can be positioned centrally with respect to the magnet
plate 436.

[0080]FIG. 15 illustrates assembly views of a weapon and a weapon
adaptor. More specifically, FIG. 15 illustrates the weapon adaptor 418
being positioned near and in front of the barrel 412 (and hence Picatinny
rail 444) of a weapon 410. Arrow 450 illustrates that the weapon adaptor
418 can be brought into contact with the Picatinny rail 444 and then slid
onto the weapon 410 if desired. Thus, in the current embodiment, the
weapon adaptor 418 would fit underneath the barrel 412 of the weapon. It
could also be aligned there with if the weapon adaptor 418 is
manufactured such that its longitudinal axis 404 corresponds with the
longitudinal axis 402 of the barrel 412 (when the two are engaged).

[0081] FIG. 16 illustrates another assembly view of a weapon and a weapon
adaptor. FIG. 16 also shows positioning pin 420 being brought into
sliding engagement with the pin apertures 440 (or rather their sides) via
arrow 452. In FIG. 16, of course, the positioning pin 420 is shown as
being about to slideably engage the sides of one of the rail slots 446
(not shown in FIG. 16) as it moves through a pair of opposed pin
apertures 440 (with the gun adaptor 418 being engaged with the Picatinny
rail 444). Note that by selecting the tolerance(s) (or lack thereof)
between the gun adaptor 418 and the Picatinny rail 444, users can select
how much (if any) transverse movement between these components will exist
when they mate with one another.

[0082]FIG. 17 illustrates an assembly view of an accessory mount. FIG. 17
illustrates the weapon adaptor 418 as engaging the Picattiny rail 444 and
being securely positioned relative thereto by positioning pin 420.
Moreover, FIG. 17 illustrates the accessory 414 as being retained by the
accessory adaptor 416. Thus, a user can bring the accessory adaptor 416
(with the accessory 414 therein if desired) into relatively close
proximity to the weapon adaptor 418. Indeed, the user can align the
magnet assembly 426 with the attachment cavity 433 of the weapon adaptor
418 and insert the accessory adaptor 416 therein as illustrated by arrow
454. As this occurs, the magnets 428 of the magnet assembly (of the
accessory adaptor 416) will magnetically couple with the magnet plate 436
and or the magnet 438 (of the weapon adaptor 418). Note that in this
regard, the magnet plate 436 of the weapon adaptor 418 can act as a
magnetic flux guide thereby strengthening the magnetic coupling between
the accessory adaptor 416 and the weapon adaptor 418. Moreover, one or
both of the adaptors 416 and 418 can be configured to create an air gap
between the magnets 428 and 438 (and/or the magnet plate 438) to
strengthen the magnetic coupling there between if desired. Indeed, that
air gap can be ensured by a tin strip of non-conductive material being
positioned between the magnets 428 and 438. See FIG. 14. However, neither
magnet plates 436, their action as flux guides, nor air gaps 460 are
necessary for the practice of the current disclosure.

[0083] Moreover, FIG. 17 also illustrates that the weapon adaptor 418 and
the accessory adaptor 416 can correspond to each other at the location(s)
where they abut. For instance, both adaptors 416 and 418 can define
respectively planar surfaces 456 and 458 which abut when these two
portions of the accessory mount 400 of the current embodiment are
magnetically coupled with each other. Moreover, while not required for
the practice of the current disclosure, they can share the length l1 of
the Picatinny rail 444 when viewed from the side. See FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0084]FIG. 18 illustrates a side elevation view of a weapon and an
accessory mount. More specifically, FIG. 18 shows the accessory adaptor
416 at least partially in the attachment cavity 433 (not visible in FIG.
18) and magnetically coupled with the weapon adaptor 418. However, in
some embodiments, the weapon adaptor 418 has neither the lower legs 435
not the detent 430 and therefore does not define an attachment cavity 433
per se. In such embodiments, the accessory adaptor 416 can magnetically
couple with the weapon adaptor 416 via its magnet assembly 426 and magnet
438 and/or magnet plate 436 of the weapon adaptor 418. Note also that
FIG. 18 illustrates the weapon adaptor 418 being locked securely to the
Picatinny rail 444 via positioning pin 420.

[0085] Thus, if desired, the weapon adaptor 418 and accessory adaptor 416
can be configured such that their respective longitudinal axes 404 and
406 are parallel to the longitudinal axis 402 of the weapon 410 (or
rather the longitudinal axis 402 of the barrel 412). Accordingly, users
can leave the weapon adaptor 418 attached to the barrel 412 of the weapon
410 for relatively long periods with no accessory 414 or accessory mount
416 coupled thereto. When desired, users can relatively quickly slide the
accessory adaptor 416 into the attachment cavity 433 of the weapon
adaptor 418 thereby magnetically coupling the two together. If the
accessory adaptor 416 happens to be holding an accessory 414 at the time,
then the accessory 414 can not only be coupled to the weapon 410 as a
result, it can also be aligned there with. If the accessory adaptor 416
had no accessory 414 therein, the user can quickly insert the accessory
414 into the accessory cavity 424 thereby coupling (and/or aligning) the
accessory 414 with the weapon 410. Moreover, the user can do so without
screws, fasteners, clamps, tools, etc.

[0086] With continuing reference to FIGS. 11-18, some embodiments provide
accessory mounts 400 MIL-STD-1913 dimensions (and more specifically the
slot-spacing requirements as reflected in the spacing of the pin
apertures 440). Embodiments, though, can accommodate other rail
configurations such as those described with reference to STANAG 2324
rail. Moreover, embodiments provide weapon adaptors suitable for use with
any tactical rail or bracket used with various weapons 410 to provide
mounting arrangements for accessories and/or other attachments. For
instance, some embodiments provide weapon adaptors configured to mate
with "Weaver rail mounts." Embodiments therefore provide accessory mounts
for use with tactical pistols, tactical rifles, etc. With further regard
to the MIL-STD-1913 related embodiments, the weapon adaptor 418 can
correspond in shapes and dimensions to a longitudinal groove 448 with an
overall height of about 0.120 inches. The rail slots 446 and pin
apertures 440 can be spaced apart by about 0.1575 inches and there can be
three (3) pairs of the pin apertures 440. Moreover, the length l1 can
reflect a Picatinny rail 444 length l1 of about 1.643 inches.

[0087] Moreover, the planar surfaces 456 and 458 (of respectively the
accessory adaptor 416 and the weapon adaptor 418) allow the magnetic flux
from full surface area of the 6 magnets 428 to have a corresponding
portion of the magnet plate 436 adjacent thereto (with or without an air
gap 460). Such arrangements can increase the amount of magnetic flux
captured by the magnet plate 436 and/or guided to/from the magnet 438 of
the weapon adaptor 418. As a result, accessory mounts 400 of the current
embodiment can optimize the amount of magnetic coupling between the
adaptors 416 and 418 given the size of the accessory mount 400. Moreover,
because of the strength of the magnetic field between the two adaptors
416 and 418, accessory mounts 400 of some embodiments self-center due to
force imbalances that might develop should the accessory adaptor 416 and
weapon adaptor 418 not completely register with each other.

[0088] In some scenarios, the weapon adaptor 418 can be left on the weapon
410 (and held in place by the positioning pin 420) for relatively long
periods of time. Furthermore, the positioning pin 420 can be held in
place by the magnet 438 which can be embedded in the (injection molded
ABS plastic of the) body 432 of the weapon adaptor 418 of the current
embodiment. Thus, no screws or other fasteners need be used to hold the
weapon adaptor 418 of embodiments on the Picatinny rail 444. Moreover,
the magnet 438 of the weapon adaptor 418 can be two or more magnets such
as 3/8 by 1/8 inch N52 Neodymium magnets.

[0089] The accessory adaptor 416 of the current embodiment can, of course,
hold the accessory (for instance a flash light). It can slide upward into
the attachment cavity of the weapon adaptor 418 where it can be held in
place by magnetic force developed between itself and the weapon adaptor
418. Moreover, it too can be made from injection molded ABS plastic and
can have embedded therein six (6) 3/8 inches by 1/8 inch N52 Neodymium
disk magnets 428. The number of such magnets can vary between embodiments
some of which include eight (8) such magnets 428.

[0090] Note that, while certain terms have been used herein which might
convey some sense of direction, these terms are not intended to be
limiting. They have been used, instead, as a matter of convenience. For
instance, terms such as "above," "below," "longitudinal," etc. have been
used to disclose certain aspects of embodiments and do not imply that
apparatus, mounts, assemblies, adaptors, etc. need be in a particular
orientation to practice the embodiments disclosed herein.

CONCLUSION

[0091] Although the subject matter has been disclosed in language specific
to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood
that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily
limited to the specific features or acts disclosed above. Rather, the
specific features and acts disclosed above are disclosed as non-limiting
forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.